Word is that Michalek would consider waiving his limited NMC. It isn't that Michalek isn't happy here or does he want out. Mainly, he doesn't think he is being used in a manner that best suits his skill set; such as being coached to lay down on ice in defensive zone.

Sure, he hasn't met expectations, but I'm not a proponent of moving him. He has a unique skill set and I think he eventually becomes what we expected. Maybe part of it was the hip injury this year that he recently underwent surgery for. If anything, this is an indictment of HCDB'S system, which many LGPers have taken issue with as the root cause of the deterioration on defense over the past year.

columbia wrote:You're surprised that Shero is ok with them not fitting or surprised that Shero is ok with his management decision to sign them?

I'm surprised that he's OK that they have not fit into the system. Shero signed M&M and stated that the Pens top 4 is set for years with Orpik/Letang/Martin/Michalek....which on paper made a ton of sense.

columbia wrote:You're surprised that Shero is ok with them not fitting or surprised that Shero is ok with his management decision to sign them?

I'm surprised that he's OK that they have not fit into the system. Shero signed M&M and stated that the Pens top 4 is set for years with Orpik/Letang/Martin/Michalek....which on paper made a ton of sense.

Why can't 2 legitimate top 4 defenseman play well under HCDB??

Like I said, all 4 are proven commodities. To your point, it can't be merely coincidence that all 4 **** the bed simultaneously.

Since he started coaching the defense, every veteran has regressed or disappointed. Every young guy has been stagnant or shown no improvement. He also coaches the PP which is nowhere near as good as it should be.

All I can say is the old trap, interfere, hook, and grab NHL is creeping back more and more each day. Except now, I'm seeing the goaltenders ran and interfered with much more, imo of course.

Some of the most exciting stuff was right after the lockout watching TB and BUF and their explosiveness... to think how it has been allowed to regress backwards is mind boggling.

What this has to do with Michalek, I don't know.... I agree it's the system. But in theory, the system SHOULD work.... it's just that the game is sort of different than when Disco came on board. It's regressed.

Eismann wrote:None of the d were of any concern at all when the team was playing winning hockey, which was polar opposite to the strategic and tactical debacle that was the playoffs this year.

That's kind of circular reasoning, but I get where you're going with it. Look over the last two seasons, and it was when the pens were (as a team...forwards and D) playing all 200-ft of the ice that Martin, Michalek, and Orpik looked pretty good out there...that changed when Sid came back and everyone wanted to jump into the scoring parade at the expense of playing sound fundamental and defensive minded hockey.

Just get it over with and fire the coaches. It's a shame that Michalek feels that way if true. You just don't go from being absolute quality at PHX to garbage. Well, you obviously do, because the system sucks.

Malkamaniac wrote:Just get it over with and fire the coaches. It's a shame that Michalek feels that way if true. You just don't go from being absolute quality at PHX to garbage. Well, you obviously do, because the system sucks.

Are you sure? Who were their two biggest departures the past two years?

Malkamaniac wrote:Just get it over with and fire the coaches. It's a shame that Michalek feels that way if true. You just don't go from being absolute quality at PHX to garbage. Well, you obviously do, because the system sucks.

Are you sure? Who were their two biggest departures the past two years?

Malkamaniac wrote:Just get it over with and fire the coaches. It's a shame that Michalek feels that way if true. You just don't go from being absolute quality at PHX to garbage. Well, you obviously do, because the system sucks.

He wasn't PHX's top man, but he was certainly stronger in the D-zone there than he is here...which is really dissapointing. Same with Martin...and it does beg some serious questions.

Poor Zybie. I said it before and I'll say it again now . . . Martin was the best player on the ice when he first came here. THE SYSTEM HAS RUINED HIM. And Z, too. I honestly thought that Bylsma would be fired after his third in a row playoff crash. This team is too talented to be embarrassed like this. I still don't understand why this coaching staff is still in place??????????????? Additional thought: Is it not COACHES who win in the playoffs? I say yes, and we stink.